San Francisco-based shellfish company, FDA issue oyster recall over norovirus concerns

FILE - Oysters are pictured on Oct. 14, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

A San Francisco shellfish company issued a recall over norovirus concerns on Wednesday for oysters sent to retailers and distributors in 15 states.

The oysters, sold by S&M Shellfish Co. as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Royal Miyagi, were harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9 in British Columbia, Canada, the FDA said. 

The oysters have been recalled due to a norovirus outbreak. Stores and distributors that received the contaminated shellfish are advised to dispose of the oysters, the agency said. 

"Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems," the FDA said in a statement. "Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local health department."

The oysters were shipped to the following states, according to the FDA:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania

The FDA warns the contaminated shellfish may have been sent to other states as well. 

The contaminated oysters were harvested in these growing areas: BC 14-8, LF #1413888, 1409240, 1402294, 1409454, 1402193, 1402293, 1402060, and BC 14-15, LF #249854, Canada.

According to the FDA, businesses can identify the contaminated oysters using the following information printed on shellfish tags:

Original Harvester/Producer: Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood
Cert. Numbers: BC 740 SP and BC 6001 SP Dates of Harvest: 12/01/24 to 12/09/24

Locations of Harvest: Areas in British Columbia (BC)

14-8, Landfile 1413888  14-8, Landfile 1402293  14-8, Landfile 1402060
14-8, Landfile 1402294  14-8, Landfile 1409454  14-15, Landfile 249854
14-8, Landfile 1409240  14-8, Landfile 1402193

S&M Shellfish was founded in 1992 and is located on Pier 45 along San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. 

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